VIDALIA— What began as a family day outside, quickly turned into a day playing in the water for the Bass family.

With temperatures hovering around triple digits in the Miss-Lou, Kim, Gabriel and their two-year-old daugther Stella Bass found relief from the summer heat on the Vidalia riverfront by taking a break from their walk to enjoy water springs located on the riverfront.

“It is very nice and the kids love it,” said Kim of the play space.

Kim said her family chose the riverfront as their walking spot simply because it was the coolest option around.

“By the water isn’t that bad, and being able to play in the sprays helps,” she said.

For Gabriel, an avid runner, the heat has played a factor in his exercise schedule.

“If you come early in the morning or at night, that is when most people have to run now,” he said. “I’m not surprised at all that people aren’t out in the middle of the day.”

Gabriel said he takes extra precaution during the summer before running, to make sure he is prepared for the heat.

“I always consume a lot of water to make sure I’m hydrated,” he said.

The family also makes sure when bringing Stella along, they stay prepared.

“It is very important for us,” Kim said. “We always make sure to pack juice and water because just going from the house to the truck, you get sweaty.”

Gabriel agreed that preparation is key.

“We have to make sure we have something for her if she gets hot,” he said.

Both Kim and Gabriel agreed the weather has taken its toll on the community, forcing those who may be active, to take a back seat to the heat.

“It is most definitely the reason there aren’t many people out here,” Kim said.